Spaghetti and Italian Meatballs is a classic dish beloved by families for its comforting flavors and hearty appeal. Passed down through generations, this recipe captures the essence of traditional Italian cooking, combining tender meatballs with a rich, simmered tomato sauce. What makes this dish particularly cherished is its ability to improve with time, with flavors melding together beautifully for an even more satisfying experience on the second day.
Recipe Overview
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Serves: Approximately 6
Ingredients:
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cans (28 oz each) crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1-2 bay leaves
- Water, as needed (up to 1 cup)
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Bread slices, dried and soaked (see instructions)
- Spaghetti noodles, cooked according to package instructions
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 294.1
- Total Fat: 10.4g
- Saturated Fat: 4.1g
- Cholesterol: 72.4mg
- Sodium: 2094.4mg
- Carbohydrates: 36.4g
- Fiber: 7.2g
- Sugars: 13.8g
- Protein: 18.8g
Detailed Instructions
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Prepare the Sauce:
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onions and cook until tender, about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, sugar, salt, pepper, dried oregano, and bay leaves.
- Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat and let it simmer gently for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. If the sauce thickens too much, add water gradually (up to 1 cup) to achieve desired consistency.
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Prepare the Meatballs:
- While the sauce simmers, prepare the meatballs.
- Dry the bread slices: Preheat the oven to its lowest setting (around 170°F or 75°C). Once heated, turn off the oven and place bread slices inside to dry out without toasting them.
- Remove dried bread from the oven and crumble into a mixing bowl.
- Soak the dried bread in water for 2-3 minutes, then squeeze out excess moisture. This step enhances the texture and flavor of the meatballs.
- Combine soaked bread with ground beef, eggs, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, dried oregano, salt, and pepper in a large mixing bowl. Use your hands to mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.
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Form and Bake the Meatballs:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with foil for easy cleanup.
- Shape the meat mixture into small balls, approximately 20 meatballs.
- Place the meatballs on the prepared baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes, or until they are cooked through and lightly browned.
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Combine and Simmer:
- Once baked, remove meatballs from the oven and carefully transfer them into the simmering tomato sauce.
- Let the meatballs cook in the sauce for an additional 30 minutes over low heat, allowing the flavors to meld together.
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Serve:
- Serve the meatballs and sauce hot over cooked spaghetti noodles, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley if desired.
Tips and Variations
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Make-Ahead Tip: This dish is perfect for making ahead of time as the flavors improve when allowed to sit overnight in the refrigerator. Simply reheat gently before serving.
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Freezing: Both the sauce and meatballs freeze well. Store them in separate airtight containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
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Variations: Experiment with adding minced garlic, red pepper flakes for a spicy kick, or substituting ground turkey or chicken for the beef to suit your preferences or dietary needs.
Conclusion
Spaghetti and Italian Meatballs isn’t just a meal; it’s a tradition that brings families together over a delicious, homemade dinner. With its savory meatballs nestled in a robust tomato sauce, this dish promises to satisfy both the young and the young at heart. Whether enjoyed fresh or reheated the next day, its flavors are sure to evoke memories of comforting meals shared with loved ones.
